Robotic Surgeons

Background History

The first robot was used in a surgery around 1990. Since then, the field has quickly developed into widespread use among surgery centers and hospitals. The da Vinci Surgical System and Flex Robotic System are the only two robotic surgery operators approved by the FDA. Due to the public's uneasiness and concern over complete robotic surgeries, the FDA has not approved any unassisted robotic surgeons.

How it Works

A human surgeon an "endo wrist" to control the robot's tools. This replicates the movement of a surgeon’s hand and increases the accuracy of movements.  A camera on the robot connects to a high-resolution 3D stereo viewer, which gives the surgeon a much-improved view compared to traditional methods. These systems also allow for single site surgery which leaves only one small incision. This small incision leaves little to no scaring behind.

Impacts/Future Outlook

As the public becomes more comfortable and the technology is developed further, unassisted robotic surgeries are much more likely. The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon continue to co-develop robotic surgeons and other universities are following in similar paths. Although the machines are currently only suited for head and neck surgeries, it is likely that more are to follow.

Pros

• Leaves little to no scaring
• Often safer than traditional methods

Cons

• Viewed as uncomfortable for most of the public eye
• Can malfunction and cause serious injury or death
• 
  

Works Cited

“How Robotic Surgery Works.” Mills-Peninsula Health Services, 2017, www.mills-peninsula.org/robotic/procedures/.

Shah, Jay, et al. “The History of Robotics in Surgical Specialties.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 June 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4677089/.

UPMC. “A Quick History of Robotic Surgery.” UPMC HealthBeat, 29 Aug. 2018, share.upmc.com/2016/02/robotic-surgery-history-mm12/.

Multimedia

https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/robotics/robo-doctor-will-see-you-now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdfyTp5XgKU

http://trendintech.com/2017/03/29/a-breakthrough-for-the-medical-world-comes-in-the-form-of-a-tiny-robot/

The World's Biggest Container Ship

Background History

Worldwide shipping has increasingly grown throughout the last decade. The demand for items in weeks, if not days, has now become commonplace. To help fill this demand, Daewoo in South Korea built the MSC Oscar for $140,000,000 in 2015. It continues to hold the record for the largest container ship in the world and operates as a container ship on a daily basis. Mediterranean Shipping Company now owns the ship.

How It Works

The capacity of the MSC Oscar is 14,000 TEU. Since the ship is so large, it is not able to dock in most ports across the world, including all American ports. Mediterranean Shipping Company says that many similar ships are in the construction process, and plans to make ships that can reach up to a staggering 22,000 TEU. They also state that as the ships grow, the efficiency grows as well. This means that the negative environmental impact is decreased, helping to sustain the world we live in.

Impacts/Future Outlook

As the shipping industry continues to grow, boats can be expected to also grow larger. While there are many engineering challenges in building larger boats, it is definitely possible. The size of existing ports also pose problems, but if ports are enlarged than it is possible. 

Pros

• Can carry more containers
• Positive environmental impact

Cons

• Most existing docks can not support boats this large

Works Cited

Dreamer. “20 Biggest Boats In The World.” Ezvid Rank, 14 Mar. 2017, rank.ezvid.com/biggest-boats-in-the-world#1-msc-oscar.

Minter, Adam. “Ships Have Gotten Too Big.” Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg, 14 June 2016, www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2016-06-14/ships-have-gotten-too-big.

“World's Largest Container Ship Is Too Big for U.S. - CNN Video.” CNN, Cable News Network, 9 Mar. 2015, www.cnn.com/videos/world/2015/03/09/pkg-boulden-uk-massive-ship-msc-oscar.cnn.

Multimedia

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MSC_Oscar_(ship,_2014)_003.jpg

http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/global-whispers/worlds-largest-boxship-msc-oscar-calls-in-malaysia.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDA9jGX67Uw

Electromagnetic Bombs

Background History

Early since the beginning of mankind, wars have broken out between those with disputes and contrasting opinions. To transfer information, simple encoders and decoders were first used to keep the opponent from understanding the message. This was the Enigma in World War II, but has since developed to much more: the electromagnetic bomb.

How It Works

A powerful electromagnetic field is created from very short and intense electromagnetic pulses. Once the bomb is deployed, it wipes out all electrical equipment in the area. This includes generators, refrigerators, computers, and even cell phones. Not only can electromagnetic bombs stop the transfer of information, but can mass chaos across an entire region. While it is believed that the U.S. has E-Bomb capabilities in its arsenal, it is also possible that terrorist groups are building similar weapons.

Impacts/Future Outlook

E-Bomb impact everyone in the world. Even if one does not depend on electricity, the mass chaos will eventually reach them. If an E-Bomb is created by a terrorist group, it can become a massive threat to any country. Unlike nuclear bombs where uranium can be traced to find potential bomb builders, E-Bombs have no special ingredient that can easily be traced. 

Pros

• Can stop the flow of information of an enemy
• Can cause mass chaos in an opposing state

Cons

• Can be used by terrorists for mass harm

Works Cited

Harris, Tom. “How E-Bombs Work.” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 8 Mar. 2018, science.howstuffworks.com/e-bomb.htm.

Pike, John. “The Electromagnetic Bomb - a Weapon of Electrical Mass Destruction.” Vietnam War - American Return to Dog Fighting, www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1996/apjemp.htm.

Multimedia

https://science.howstuffworks.com/e-bomb.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSmpI3emA1w

https://science.howstuffworks.com/e-bomb2.htm

Inductive Charging

Background History

Ever since cell phones were introduced, cords twisting and knotting up have become a persistent problem. Wireless charging capabilities have always been dreamed of, and have finally arrived. While most people think this is a relatively new discovery, it was first discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1901. He created the "Wardenclyffe Tower", also known as the "Tesla Tower", to demonstrate wireless power transfer. Although the experiment failed, his developmental work can still be seen in prototypes today.

How It Works

Electromagnetic waves are created using electrical coils. They ways are then sent through a mat to reach the device being charged. Although initial designs did emit radioactive particles, newer models admit healthy amounts of radioactivity.

Impacts/Future Outlook

As the technology further develops, the health risks and costs can be significantly lowered to be able to enter the consumer market. This means cords of the past could ultimately be worthless someday. Inductive charging could also greatly benefit the automotive industry, with wireless charges placed along or under roads for during use of electric cars.

Pros

• Less clutter
• More durable
• Can charge cars while driving

Cons

• More expensive
• Possibly dangerous
• Slower charging

Works Cited

“How Wireless Induction Chargers Work.” Explain That Stuff, 30 Jan. 2018, www.explainthatstuff.com/inductionchargers.html.

Mearian, Lucas. “Wireless Charging Explained: What Is It and How Does It Work?” Computerworld, Computerworld, 28 Mar. 2018, www.computerworld.com/article/3235176/mobile-wireless/wireless-charging-explained-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work.html.

Ware, Russell. “What Is Inductive Charging?” Lifewire, www.lifewire.com/what-is-inductive-charging-575296.

Multimedia

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/inductionchargers.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr63Kl0SuFo

https://electriccarsreport.com/2011/05/volvo-working-on-wireless-charging-for-electric-cars/

World’s Biggest Air Purifier

Background History

Air pollution is killing about 4,400 people in China every single day. The Chinese government has finally admitted that air pollution is a problem in their country, and attempting to fix it. Many engineering and designers are coming up with revolutionary ideas that can not only help China but the rest of the world as well.

How It Works

Polluted air is sucked into the glasshouses and heated up by solar energy. The hot air then rises through the tower and passes through multiple layers of cleaning filters. There is no limit to size so this could be used in a large-scale scenario. 

Impacts On Society

Pros

• Does not use any non-renewable energy
• Reduces air pollution

Cons

• Expensive
• Has not yet been proven in a large-scale scenario

Future Outlook

Considering that the high demand for air cleaning products in only growing, the future is bright for large-scale air purifiers. Since the market is growing, it likely that more engineers and scientists will work at improving the current designs.

Works Cited

“China Builds 'World's Biggest Air Purifier' (and It Works).” South China Morning Post, 16 Jan. 2018, www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2128355/china-builds-worlds-biggest-air-purifier-and-it-seems-be-working.

Markham, Derek. “China Built the Biggest Air Purifier in the World.” TreeHugger, Treehugger, 5 Feb. 2018, www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/china-built-biggest-air-purifier-world.html.

Mosbergen, Dominique. “Air Pollution Causes 4,400 Deaths In China Every Single Day: Study.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 14 Aug. 2015, www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/air-pollution-china-deaths_us_55cd9a62e4b0ab468d9cefa9.

“World's Largest Air Purifier Completes Successful Trial Run in Xi'an, China.” ArchDaily, 16 Jan. 2018, www.archdaily.com/887144/worlds-largest-air-purifier-completes-successful-trial-run-in-xian-china.

Multimedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LND6W7w4OpU

https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d676a4e7755444e/share.html

http://www.newsweek.com/smog-air-pollution-china-782834

Bosco Verticale

Background History

Over 3 million deaths every year are linked to the growing problem of air population. Short-term effects of air pollution include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Long-term effects include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Seeing the negative impact of air population of his city in Milan, Italian architect Stefano Boeri was determined to find a solution to this problem by building towers surrounded by plants.

How It Works

The 500 medium and large trees, 300 small trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 other plants combine to convert 44,000 pounds of carbon dioxide to oxygen. The plants also assist in lowering temperature, filtering fine dust particles, and lowering noise pollution. 

Impacts On Society

Pros

• Reduces air pollution
• Reduces noise pollution
• Filters fine dust particles
• Takes up less than a typical greenspace

Cons

• Costly
• Difficult to maintain

Future Outlook

After Stefano Boeri build the first two towers in Milan, he has been summoned across the world for numerous more designs. It is very likely that these designs become popular among other architects as well during a time when pollution is a large concern.

Works Cited

“The Incredible Vertical Forest Residential Towers in Milan, Italy.” TwistedSifter, 4 July 2016, twistedsifter.com/2016/06/vertical-forest-residential-towers-in-milan-by-boeri-studio/.

“What Are the Effects of Air Pollution?” Effects of Air Pollution on Humans, Plants and Animals, 2017, eschooltoday.com/pollution/air-pollution/effects-of-air-pollution.html.

Xie, Jenny. “High-Rise Forests in Italy Are Fighting Air Pollution.” The Verge, The Verge, 9 Aug. 2017, www.theverge.com/2017/8/9/16112758/milan-vertical-forest-stefano-boeri-video.

Multimedia

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/milan-italy-may-bosco-verticale-vertical-forest-l-low-view-designed-stefano-boeri-sustainable-architecture-porta-nuova-93390826.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UQI3rBwIjQ

http://www.floornature.com/media/photos/1/13260/02_balcon-sur-paris_stefanoboeri-architetti_la-foret-blanche_home_sez.jpg

 

World's Largest Crane

Background History

After World War II Germany was in a state of disaster. The war had torn apart their country's infrastructure, and years and years of rebuilding was yet to come. Hans Liebherr founded Hans Liebherr Maschinenfabrik (engineering works) in an effort to help rebuilt the country he loved. Making everything from refrigerators to hydraulic excavators Liebherr has a wide variety of products. After finding a hole in the market for high-quality cranes, Liebherr decided to fill the gap. The Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 is the tallest crane in the world, as well as having the greatest max load capacity.

How It Works

This 9-axle, 8-cylinder monster has the capability to lift 1,200 tons. It also has the longest telescopic boom in the world, which extends fully to 100 meters.

Max. load capacity 1,200 t

at radius 2.50 m

Telescopic boom from 18.30 m

Telescopic boom up to 100.00 m

Lattice jib from 6.5 m

Lattice jib up to 126.0 m

Drive engine/make Liebherr

Drive engine 8-Cylinder-Diesel

Drive engine/power 500 kW

Number of axles 9

Crane engine/make Liebherr

Crane engine 6-Cylinder-Diesel

Crane engine/power 270 kW

Drive/Steering standard 18 x 8 x 18

Driving speed 75.00 km/h

Total ballast 202.00 t

Impacts It Has On Society

Pros

• Can lift up to 1,200 tons
• Telescopic boom extends to 100 meters

Cons

• Costs around $5 million
• Too big for some confined jobs, like in a city

Multimedia

https://www.liebherr.com/en/rou/products/mobile-and-crawler-cranes/mobile-cranes/ltm-mobile-cranes/details/ltm1120091.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGm69ElXIs8

Works Cited

Abrams, Avi. “The World's Most Powerful Mobile Crane.” Dark Roasted Blend, www.darkroastedblend.com/2011/04/worlds-most-powerful-mobile-crane.html.

Bros, Ritchie. “Blog.” Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, 7 Jan. 2013, www.rbauction.com/blog/five-of-the-world-s-largest-cranes-.

“LTM 11200-9.1.” LTM 11200-9.1 Mobile Crane - Liebherr, 2018, www.liebherr.com/en/rou/products/mobile-and-crawler-cranes/mobile-cranes/ltm-mobile-cranes/details/ltm1120091.html.